Micky van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to score twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

David Shannon
David Shannon

A film critic and entertainment journalist with over a decade of experience covering Hollywood and indie cinema.